The term paper is worth 20 percent of your grade and requires you to choose a current event and analyze it based on concepts learned in this course. The paper should be written in essay format, with a title page, in-text citations and a reference page in APA format. The body of the paper (excluding the title and reference pages) should be 5-10 full pages.
Instructions:
Current event – choose a current event in the US (no earlier than 2022, though current ongoing events that began earlier are acceptable) that illustrates any level of ADL’s Pyramid of Hate. This event can range from an instance of discrimination by a company, to a violent hate crime. Remember that the event must involve some form of bias to qualify, and that not all violence is motivated by bias. If you’re not sure whether an event is appropriate for the assignment, please check with me. Briefly describe the event in your own words. (10% of your term paper score)
ADL’s Pyramid of Hate – using class lectures and the Pyramid of Hate diagram (available in my lecture slides as well as at ADL.org), identify the highest level (or tier) that the event reaches in the Pyramid. Then, since the lower levels of the pyramid support the higher levels, explain how each level of the pyramid below that level may have contributed to the event – I recommend starting from the bottom of the pyramid and proceeding upward. (For example, if you chose an event that fits into the fourth level, “Bias-motivated violence”, be sure to describe how the first three levels of the pyramid – “Biased attitudes”, “Acts of bias”, and “systemic discrimination” played a role in the instance of bias-motivated violence that you are writing about). (20% of your term paper score)
Baumeister’s “Four Roots of Evil” – using class lectures and the assigned chapter by Baumeister, identify which of Baumeister’s “Four Roots of Evil” best fits this event, and why. More than one may fit, depending on the event. (15% of your term paper score)
How does the psychology of prejudice, hate, and violence help you understand bias-motivated events? To address this question, choose at least two specific topics and/or theories from class lectures and readings that relate to your chosen event (other than ADL’s “Pyramid of Hate” and Baumeister’s “Four Roots of Evil”), and thoroughly discuss how they help explain the event. Possibilities include (but are not limited to): specific theories discussed in class about stereotypes and the causes of prejudice; specific forms of racism, sexism, and sexual prejudice; dimensions of stigma; causes of hate and/or violence; etc. You must explain how and why these topics help you better understand your chosen event. (20% of your term paper score)
Prevention – Based on what you have learned in this class, what are your recommendations for handling and/or resolving this event? How can we prevent something similar from happening again in the future? (20% of your term paper score)
The remaining 15% of your score will be distributed as follows:
Adherence to instructions and guidelines (cover page, correct length, appropriateness and number of references, correct use of in-text citations – see section below for more details) – 10% of your term paper score
Grammar, syntax, spelling – 5% of your term paper score
Formatting:
Style and length: The paper should be written in essay format and typed, double-spaced, using APA style (this applies mainly to formatting references and in-text citations – links to APA style guidelines are included below). The required length is 5-10 full pages, PLUS a title page and reference list. (The title page and reference list do not contribute to the 5 page minimum.) An abstract is not required. Section headers are not required, although I recommend organizing your paper by creating sections with headers based on the outline above (ie. “Event”; “ADL’s Pyramid of Hate”; “Baumeister’s Roots of Evil” etc.)
References and in-text citations: at least 3 reference sources (textbooks/assigned readings and lecture are allowed as sources in addition to news websites and other online sources). Avoid using Wikipedia or social media sources (except as additional references beyond the required 3 reference sources). Follow APA guidelines (URLs are listed below) for in-text citations and references.
All information obtained from websites, lectures, your book, and other sources must be correctly cited within your paper as well as listed on your reference page, EVEN IF YOU ARE PARAPHRASING AND NOT QUOTING. This includes the ADL Pyramid of Hate, Baumeister’s Roots of Evil, and any other material learned in the course. When citing a source of information, use the original source as often as possible – for example, when discussing Baumeister’s roots of evil, cite the assigned reading by Baumeister rather than my lecture slides or online sources that reference Baumeister’s ideas.
Spelling and grammar: proper spelling and grammar are expected and will be considered in the grading of the paper. Be sure to proofread your paper before turning it in!
